The team of Civil Network OPORA is launching a new educational project dedicated to developing a democratic culture. The Electoral Integrity Academy is not only an educational program, but also a space for creating a community united and inspired by the values of democracy and human rights. Its core lies in key electoral principles that define the rules of ethical politics, free and fair elections, and democratic practices.

All educational modules of the Academy are built around principles and real-world practices.

The Academy's program consists of three modules, which step-by-step lead participants from value awareness to the practical application of knowledge in the face of contemporary challenges.

Thematic modules and principles

Electoral principle

Relevant topics of the Academy

Political culture and the culture of dialogue
  • Challenges to democracy and integrity
  • Principles of integrity
  • Party democracy and ethical challenges
  • Ideological foundations of modern politics

The principle of universal, direct suffrage and the secrecy of the ballot
  • Every voice matters: inclusive processes
  • Electoral dilemmas
  • ECHR standards in the sphere of electoral rights
  • Security as a prerequisite for elections
  • Risk management

The principle of equal suffrage
  • Electoral cycle: participants and roles
  • Financial transparency of parties and candidates
  • Political financing and reporting
  • Abuse of administrative resources

The principle of free elections
  • Political communications and the limits of integrity: information, campaigning, and covert forms of influence
  • Countering information campaigns
  • AI in elections

The principle of periodic and genuine elections
  • Digital technologies without harm to democracy
  • Elections that are trusted

Effective protection of electoral rights
  • Voter turnout and violations of electoral rights at different stages of the electoral process
  • Typical electoral violations and liability for them
  • Algorithms for responding to violations
  • Strategies for conflict resolution
  • Mediation and negotiation

If you:

  • Have experience or an interest in organizing fair and transparent elections;
  • Develop civil society and work to enhance citizen participation;
  • Defend the interests of social groups (veterans, people with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and others) and aspire to be the voice of your community;
  • Promote quality and independent journalism, informing the public, and holding the authorities accountable;
  • Have an active political stance and are ready to participate in building democracy.

We are looking for those who:

  • Have clear motivation and readiness to implement the acquired knowledge in their communities and professional environments;
  • Are prepared to attend all offline modules and online webinars;
  • Have never been accused of corruption or electoral violations, criminal convictions, or documented facts of human rights abuses;
  • Support the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine;
  • Can provide recommendations from at least two people within their professional environment.

The program includes three learning modules:

  • Module 1: October 24–26, 2025 (offline);
  • Module 2: November 3–20, 2026 (every Tuesday and Thursday) (online);
  • Module 3: November 21–23, 2025 (offline).

Participation is free. The participants will be selected on a competitive basis.

The application deadline is October 12, 2025 (inclusive).

Register at the link.

The teaching language of the Academy is Ukrainian. 

The program prepares a new generation of professionals capable of safeguarding the integrity of electoral democracy amid contemporary challenges — from digital threats and martial law to information manipulation and corrupt practices. Graduates of the Academy will become advocates for the culture of integrity, strengthening public trust in democratic institutions and facilitating the renewal of the social contract in Ukraine. They will also become participants in a growing values-based community.